The Land Rover LR3 has been voted the best 4x4 by Planet 4x4 magazine.

Fighting off competition from 36 other vehicles, the LR3 proved unbeatable on practicality, packaging, off road ability and all-round dynamics, scoring 819.4 out of a possible 1000.

In fact, Land Rover swept the board with the Range Rover voted overall runner up – just 4.1% behind the LR3, and Range Rover Sport and LR2 both scooping class wins.

"With a clean sweep of class awards this year, Land Rover is getting it right at just about every level. One tester after another was wowed by the Range Rover's class, the Range Rover Sport's style and the LR3's practicality," said Alan Kidd, editor of Planet 4x4 magazine.

"But what I think Land Rover can be particularly proud of is that this result comes in a competition where scores for off-roading meant almost nothing – and value for money counted towards almost a quarter of the total mark. It would be easy to write this off as a series of victories for these premium vehicles... but in reality, it shows that with Land Rover, you really do get what you pay for."

Land Rover UK managing director, John Edwards added: "We are immensely proud to have fared so well in this year's awards, against ever-increasing competition in the 4x4 sector. The Land Rover LR3 is an out-and-out winner which proves that the British still make the best."

The Land Rover LR3 is available from RO.15, 950 onwards in the Sultanate of Oman. To book a test drive or for further information on any of the Land Rover range please visit MHD LLC’s Land Rover showrooms in Azaiba, Sur, Sohar and Salalah or simply call on 24523200. Complete information on the Land Rover range & a facility to book test drives is also available through the internet on www.mhdoman.com .

The very first Volvo car left the factory on April 14, 1927. It was called the ÖV4 because the letters ÖV are Swedish for "Open Car" and 4 denoted the number of cylinders powering the new Swedish car. On February 20, 2008, it was once again an open car that was under the spotlights. That's when car number 15,000,000, an attractive convertible Volvo C70, left the factory in Uddevalla.

In the first year, production proceeded at a modest pace, with 297 cars being sold in 1927. Emerging from the shadow of the global economic depression and Second World War, it took Volvo 23 years to build its first 100,000 cars. Today, that figure corresponds to about three months of production.

Early in the company's history, it was decided that the brand name should signify quality and safety. Since the early 1970s, environmental issues too have come to the forefront of the company's corporate agenda. It is therefore no accident that Volvo was first off the mark with the world's single most important safety invention (the 3-point safety belt was fitted as standard to Volvo cars as far back as 1959) and with one of the world's foremost innovations in the environmental sphere (the 3-way catalytic converter with Lambdasond was introduced in 1976).

The best-selling Volvo model ever is the classic 200 Series. Between 1974 and 1993, no less than 2,862,573 were built. Probably the best-known of all Volvo models is the P1800 sports coupe that was built during the 1960s. For one thing, it was the car that Roger Moore drove in the highly popular TV series "The Saint". For another, Irv Gordon's red P1800 from 1966 is in the Guinness Book of Records as the car that has covered a higher mileage than any other car on the planet. In 2002 his car's odometer rolled past 2,000,000 miles (3,218,000 km) and in 2012 Irv expects to be doing the three million mile (4,827,000 km) service on his trusty car. Beat that if you can...

Many Volvo owners have over the years also expressed their appreciation of their cars' sensible, solid engineering. Functionality has always been important and this was confirmed when British motoring magazine AutoExpress undertook an ambitious survey about ten years ago to find out which cars are best and worst to live with from the owner's viewpoint. Two Volvo models took part in the survey, and both won their classes. The Volvo C70 was regarded as the best sports car and the Volvo S80 was named the best luxury car in stiff competition against considerably more expensive cars.

Today the Volvo brand is equally renowned for the attractive design of cars that reflect characteristic Scandinavian design traditions.
When that first car drove past the factory gates back in 1927, it proudly carried its "iron symbol" on the radiator grille. That mark was and still is a symbol of Swedish steel and quality. When car number 15,000,000 left the factory in Uddevalla, that symbol is still carried with pride on the front and it still represents quality and solidity. The Volvo C70 is one of the absolute safest convertibles ever built. It is a functional and spacious car. And it is actually two cars in one as the three-piece retractable hardtop transforms the Volvo C70 from coupe to convertible at the touch of a button.

More details on the Volvo range of cars can be obtained from the Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC website www.mhdoman.com or by visiting their showrooms in Azaiba, Sur, Sohar & Salalah. An exclusive toll free number 800-74747 is also available for Volvo customers in the Sultanate of Oman

The automotive market in Oman is a buyer's market, says David Aziz, Director Automotive, Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC, the authorized dealers of leading prestige brands - Land Rover, Jaguar and Volvo.

The auto mart in Oman witnessed a visible growth in 2007 with a slew of infrastructure projects gaining momentum in various parts of the country, Aziz said. The market definitely recorded a growth in the region between 20-25 per cent compared to the previous year, he added. The luxury and 4 wheel drive segments are showing an upward trend and these segments will continue to witness strong growth in the coming few years, Aziz said.

In a tough market like Oman, leading players score over others by providing excellent sales and service package to customers, Aziz noted. Almost all players in Oman are doing well, but an experienced player like MHD LLC has succeeded over the years by offering unique wholesome package to customers, including attractive pricing, service agreements, and bargain trade-in value, Aziz said. Every customer is seriously concerned about small courtesy matters whether they are being properly welcomed at an auto dealer's showroom, he said adding that MHD LLC exceeds customer expectations in this regard.

The Omani automotive market is unique in that customers are spoilt for choice as the market is flooded with numerous models from leading global manufacturers, Aziz said. What makes a brand the preferred choice is the packaging which will include unique benefits, including trade-in options after few years, Aziz said.
MHD LLC’s association with the prestigious Land Rover brand dates back to 1958. The 50-year partnership with Land Rover has taken the brand to the leading position in the 4 wheel drive segment in Oman, Aziz said.

The luxury brands are witnessing a strong growth all over the world. There is high demand for these products and the luxury vehicle sector is also witnessing strong growth in Oman, Aziz said. Customers do not mind paying more for acquiring a proven and trusted brand, he said adding that "we are competing against big names and unless we give superior product and services, we will not be able to attract Premium customers opt for premium products."

Notably, MHD LLC has made substantial investment for a trend-setting refurbishment of the showrooms of Land Rover, Jaguar and Volvo. "The fully redesigned showrooms reflect our commitment to customer service," Aziz said. MHD LLC has invested heavily on the refurbishment of our showrooms, which are now state-of-the-art, reflecting the premium corporate identity of these brands. The entire design concept and materials used in the facelift of showrooms were sourced from the UK and Italy for Land Rover and Jaguar while the Volvo design concept and refurbishment materials were sourced from Sweden to reflect an authentic Scandinavian experience.

"The new showrooms are purely focused on enhancing the customer experience, offering an enjoyable experience for them. We are paying back to customers in a unique manner." Aziz noted. The showrooms are tastefully done up with shelves offering souvenirs and merchandise associated with these brands, besides personalised service to drive home a custom-made vehicle. "Going back so many years of association, we recognise that customers are our main capital. In some cases, we have customers down to their third generation who have been loyal to the Land Rover brand.

The showroom refurbishment is strikingly evident in all the three brands. The Volvo showroom has incorporated all the typical Scandinavian designs. The unique concept makes the showroom an ideal getaway for the entire family members who may walk into the showroom to decide on a car purchase. In one area dedicated for children, play station terminals are available while parents can browse an interactive car display terminal in another area or engage in private discussions with sales personnel. The showroom in its design concept sparkles with positive energy, enhancing the car buying decision as a memorable experience. On conclusion of a deal, customers will be escorted to a unique drive-away area from where they can drive out in their dream car in royal style.

In the commercial sector, MHD LLC is a leading player with commercial brands, including Ashok Leyland, which recorded 100 per cent growth in 2007. The Chinese brands JMC and CMC have also proven very popular in Oman, recording 50 per cent growth. The commercial segment is expected to do very well in the next few years, Aziz noted.

In the interior region, the network of MHD will be further strengthened with the opening of a new showroom in Sohar. MHD has a full facility in Salalah where new and used vehicles are available besides parts, service and body shop. "Our showrooms are one-stop facility." MHD LLC also has a branch in Sur.

At present, MHD LLC has five body shop facility in Oman, including three in the capital area and two in the interior region. MHD LLC undertakes repairs to franchise and non-franchise brands at body shops as part of tie-ups with major insurance companies. Only few body shops in Oman can offer the facility MHD LLC boasts, including a six-metre high booth to accommodate large trucks.

The year 2008 will be an exciting year for all brands represented by MHD LLC, Aziz said. "We had a great year in 2007 when Land Rover recorded 30 per cent growth over the previous year while Volvo achieved 40 per cent growth, Jaguar continues to be growing with a new model to be introduced in 2008. The volume is growing in all these brands."

The new models introduced in Oman this year include the Land Rover LR2 in the SUV segment and the new Volvo C30 a sporty small hatchback vehicle. The new XF Jaguar is also set for launch in March. The model has already won several prestigious European awards. The new Volvo XC60 will be launched by the end of this year.
All Range Rover luxury sport models, including LR3 and LR2, are market leaders. By far, these are top premium 4 wheel drive vehicles, which are in their own league without any competition, Aziz said. The flagship and iconic brand models are characterized by their toughness, rigidness and luxury, he added. The bestseller Range Rover sport models have a waitlist for three to four months, proving their popularity, Aziz said.

The Volvo range available in Oman includes the all-wheel drive XC90, the S80 luxury sedan, S60, S40, XC70 and C30. The XC90 is the only seven seater available in its segment in Oman, Aziz said.

The premium XJ is the top of the range model in the Jaguar line-up in Oman. The XF will be a replacement model for the S-Type while the XK luxury 2-door coupe is also available, besides the X-Type in the medium and small sector, which has proven to be popular with its facelift in 2008.

Land Rover is associated with several expeditions in Oman, including the Connecting Cultures, Biosphere Expedition, Arabian Leopard in Salalah and also the water bird surveys. The brand continues to sponsor a lot of adventure events. Jaguar has also been associated with air shows by the British Red Arrows. "We always associate with prominent campaigns and nobles causes in support to society," Aziz said.
Land Rover is on top in the 4 wheel drive segment without any competitors in Oman Volvo accounts for about 14 to 15 per cent market share in the premium segment. Jaguar is also continuously improving its share, Aziz said. The Volvo brand is gradually establishing itself in Oman where Land Rover is already an established brand and Jaguar is gaining from strength to strength, he added.

In terms of pricing, Volvo has maintained the levels from the previous year during 2007 while Land Rover and Jaguar prices rose by about 4 per cent, mainly due to appreciation of European currencies against American dollar. The commercial brands represented by MHD LLC witnessed a rise of about three per cent in 2007.
In the commercial sector, the brands represented by MHD LLC are doing extremely well. Ashok Leyland, CMC and JMC have recorded strong growth and established themselves in the Sultanate, Aziz said.

"MHD LLC has the reputation for associating only with good quality brands. We were very selective in choosing the Chinese commercial brands, including JMC, which is the premium commercial brand in China. These brands offer competitive prices and a good package on after sales warranty," Aziz said.

Competitive pricing and good quality are the main yardstick for leading companies and contractors while making fleet purchases. The JMC range includes 3-tonne tippers. The CMC range has become popular among traders, especially those dealing with fish, vegetables and poultry as these vehicles are equipped with freezers and fridges.

The year-on-year performance of all brands represented by MHD LLC was much higher compared to other Gulf countries, Aziz said.

Land Rover has again beat tough competition to win the Best Compact 4x4 and the Best Large 4x4 categories at the 2008 What Car? Car of the Year Awards ceremony in London.

The all-new Land Rover LR2 fought off opposition in what is one of the most hotly contested sectors to win Best Compact 4x4, while the LR3 beat its rivals yet again to be named Best Large 4x4 for an impressive fourth year running.  They were also both awarded 'best buys' in their respective price categories.

What Car? Group editor, Steve Fowler, said: "In spite of tough competition over the past year from a whole host of new models, Land Rover continues to clean up in the 4x4 sector.  The LR2 remains our pick of compact 4x4s – it's a true off-roader, but is comfortable and civilised for every day use.  As for the LR3, our overall Car of the Year in 2005, it remains the best large 4x4 by some margin – testimony to the cleverness of the design and engineering of the car."

Land Rover's managing director, Phil Popham, said: "We are absolutely delighted to win these prestigious awards yet again from What Car. These accolades are recognition of the continued relevance of our vehicles and their class-leading versatility."

For any further information on the Land Rover Range or to book a test drive, contact MHD LLC the sole Land Rover importers in the Sultanate of Oman on tel no: 24523200

Muscat played home to the Fourth Round of the Volvo Laser SB3 Middle East Grand Prix in January at the Shangir-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Oman.  Volvo Cars Middle East and Laser Middle East signed an agreement in July to host this six round sailing Grand Prix on the Laser SB3 brand of sailing boat.

The Laser SB3 is the fastest growing sailing fleet in the world and has attracted some of the best sailors including triple Laser World Champion Glenn Bourke. After races in Dubai, Ras al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi, the Grand Prix in Muscat is the first one to be held outside of the UAE.

"Volvo Cars is very proud to be expanding its scope of activity beyond the UAE. The  4th Round of the Laser Grand prix is going to be held in Muscat. It was just announced last weekend that the South Indian city of Kochi will host the 2nd race of the Volvo Ocean Race in December 2008. Volvo Cars takes pride in encouraging healthy pursuits and hopes to continue doing so" comments Roula Beiruty, Marketing Manager, Volvo Cars ME.

Speaking further during the press conference organized at the Volvo showroom of Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC, David Aziz, Director Automotive, MHD LLC said, “Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC which has been representing Volvo in Oman for the past 5 years, is very proud to be associated with this event. Over the last 5 years we have worked very hard to build the brand in Oman and today we can confidently say that Volvo distinctly stands out from the clutter as the brand best known for safety and comfort. Its rich features have made Volvo an aspirational brand for people in Oman.

The fleet consists of 8 boats, of which two Omani based crews will take part for the first time, one supplied from Laser ME and one from Art Marine. Even the transport of the boats will be a challenge itself: 8 Volvo XC 90 cars towing 8 laser SB 3 sailing boats through the dessert, over the mountains and literally into the sea, because the boats will be launched by the cars.

Round 3’s results saw the battle for the coveted Grand Prix Trophy and the winner’s prize of a trip to compete at the Laser SB3 2008 World Championships heating up… Currently the Grand Prix is being led by Hannes Waimer skipper of Team Premier Composites. For round four his team will be flying in direct from the Dusseldorf Boat Show to defend their lead. The fact that they are leading the second placed Team MenOnPause by only one championship point after eighteen races is testament to the level of competition and the benefits of racing One Design Yachts, where the boats are identical, only the crews make the difference.

To further develop sailing in the Oman, the whole event is enthusiastically being supported by the Ministry of Sports Affairs, Sultanate of Oman (Mr. Mohammed Bin Ahmed Al-amri and Mr. Saif Al –Shibli), 

Jaguar's new XF has claimed top prize - the highly respected 'Car of the Year' award - at the 2008 What Car? awards in London. The XF also took top place in the 'Best Executive Car' category, ahead of the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes CLS.

Steve Fowler, group editor of What Car, said: "For us, the XF goes straight in there with the very best cars from Jaguar’s past. And given that the car market today is more competitive than it’s ever been, it’s fair to say the XF is the best car Jaguar has ever built.

"The XF really does have it all – a sensational exterior and dramatic interior combined with a drive that will delight and pamper in equal measure. On top of that, it stacks up as a sensible buying and owning proposition, too."
Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars, said: "All of us at Jaguar are delighted that we've taken the top spot at these awards, and that What Car? magazine has named the new XF Car of the Year.  It's especially gratifying as What Car? magazine has such a great reputation for representing the British consumer. Jaguar is creating a new generation of cars that started with the XK, and now continues with the all-new XF - a four door, five passenger car that has the heart of a sports car and the looks of a grand tourer.  Like the XK, XF is visually striking and thrilling to drive. 

"We're very pleased with the reaction that the car has received, and our customer order bank is growing fast.  We're grateful to What Car? magazine for this wonderful award."

XF has already received a host of significant awards including 'Car of the Year' from The Sun newspaper, 'Limo of the Year' from Top Gear magazine, 'Interior of the Year' from CAR magazine and the 'Design Award' from Autocar magazine.
The Jaguar XF comes as standard with a generous specification featuring a host of innovative, industry-leading equipment.  Highlights include the all-new JaguarDrive SelectorTM, JaguarSenseTM,, a smart technical solution introducing touch or proximity-sensing control for overhead console lights and glovebox release, a touch screen to control most major functions and a rear camera for ease in parking. The XF also has an optional top-of-the-range 440 Watt Bowers & Wilkins speaker system delivering a powerful and vivid performance.
The XF made its public debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September and the first customer deliveries begin in March.
More details are available with Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC, the sole Jaguar importers in the Sultanate of Oman. Customers can also the pre book the XF to avail of early deliveries.

The Volvo C30 has been named an AUTOMOBILE Magazine All-Star - the first Volvo ever to win this prestigious award. Each year, the editors and bureau chiefs of the magazine convene to test, evaluate and debate the performance, significance and pure enthusiast appeal of the cars that have made the biggest impact. The All-Stars winners for 2008 will appear in the January issue.

After a 1,000-mile road trip, winners are determined by a round-table discussion that results in a vote. Vehicles considered for the All-Star award combine the following traits: redefines an existing category or creates a new market segment, provides excellent value and performance for the money, exhibits an exceptional design and offers pure driving enjoyment. The awards are not made through an instrumented test process.

"The smoothly chic, Scandinavian cool, four-seat hatch," is how Jean Jennings, Editor-in-Chief of AUTOMOBILE Magazine described the C30. "The Volvo is whisper-quiet & perfectly composed. It is madly, Scandinavianly mod inside, to go with its fresh exterior. And any one of us would love to own it - the one perfect criterion for All-Stardom."

Anne Bélec, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America, accepted the All-Stars award from Jennings at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. "We are thrilled and honored that the C30 has been named an AUTOMOBILE Magazine All-Star," said Bélec. "The C30's youthfulness, dynamic design and emotional appeal has brought universal acclaim to the smallest and most expressive car in Volvo's model range."

The Volvo C30 is now available with Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC in the Sultanate of Oman.

Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC the sole importers of premium 4 X 4 Land Rover vehicles in the Sultanate of Oman will be sponsoring the Oman Winter Waterbirds Survey which will be carried out over the months of January & February 2008.

This survey will endeavour to count all the wintering waterbirds between the southernmost part of Oman – Dalqut on the border with Yemen – and Mussandam in the north. This three week survey is being run under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs in conjunction with the Oman Bird Group/Environmental Society of Oman and will provide crucial information on birds using the West Asian flyway between west and central Siberia and the Arabian Gulf, southern Arabia and East Africa. Birds using this flyway need a number of places where they can stop off and feed in order to replenish their food reserves so that they can continue on their long journey. It is therefore very important to important to obtain data for khawrs and mudflats such as those at Qurm, Shinas, Liwa and Yiti in the north, Duqm, Kahil, Dirif in the centre and Taqah, Mughsayl and Salalah in the south so that they can continue to be protected. Large numbers of birds also use Oman’s beaches and seas for food and for roosting – over 70,000 waterbirds (herons, waders, gulls, terns) for example, use the stretch between Nuqdah and Al Ashkarah, which is only a small portion of Oman’s long coastline.

There is already a team working solely on the very important Barr al Hikman area where up to half a million birds spend the winter. This is a difficult area to count accurately but the numbers of researchers involved this time and the methods employed should ensure the best count done so far. It was felt very important, therefore, that the rest of Oman’s wetlands and coastline should be surveyed at the same time so that for the first time ever, concerned authorities in Oman will have accurate figures covering the whole country that they can use when developing conservation management strategies at important wetland sites. The survey will also provide a baseline so that bird population trends can be measured in the future.

As the body responsible for such surveys, Ali Amer Al Kiyumi and his staff at the Nature Conservation Directorate at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs have been involved in previous coastline and wetland counts, which this year is being done by Ian Harrison and Michael Green. Ian Harrison spent twenty years in Oman and was formerly Secretary of the Oman Bird Group and Chief Inspector at the Ministry of Education, while Michael Green is Director of an ecological research and survey consultancy and has visited Oman on a number of occasions in order to conduct bird surveys.

During his job as Chief Inspector, Ian travelled frequently to all regions of the country including remote schools on the Yemen and Saudi borders as well as in Mussandam and used a Land Rover Discovery since it could withstand the harsh conditions and difficult roads that existed in the 1980s and 1990s. He drove over 250,000 kilometres with his last vehicle and this was the reason that he approached Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC the sole Land Rover importers in Oman to sponsor the survey by providing a vehicle that he could rely on while driving up the coastline – and that could cope with the soft sand and sabkha that is encountered in many areas on the survey route.

For this survey Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC has equipped Mr. Ian Harrison with an award winning Land Rover LR3 vehicle to carry his team & equipment through a range of inhospitable and extreme terrain. The LR3’s outstanding on-road and off-road capability and dynamics have been achieved through a number of technological innovations that ensure easy manoeuvrability on any terrain.  The vehicle comes equipped with Land Rover’s patented Terrain Response system, which is activated with just the flick of a switch to maximise traction and optimise driveability and comfort.  The driver simply chooses one of five terrain settings on the centre console:  a general driving programme, one for slippery conditions (grass/gravel/snow) and three special off-road modes (mud/ruts, sand, rock crawl).  Terrain Response then automatically selects the appropriate settings for the vehicle’s advanced electronic controls and traction aids.

Speaking on MHD/ Land Rover’s involvement, Mr. David Aziz, Director Automotive, MHD LLC, said, “We are proud to support this survey, which is in line with Land Rover’s brand values to help make a positive contribution towards a sustainable environment. Land Rover believes in sustainability and preservation of the environment it operates in and our support to this project reiterates our commitment towards achieving this goal.”

In addition to MHD LLC, the expedition is also being sponsored by the Ornithological Society of the Middle East, the Oman Bird Group and by the UK based consultancy, Ecology Matters.

The data obtained will be entered into the Oman Bird Group database and will be used both by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs and by Wetlands International an organization dedicated to wetland conservation and sustainable management and which monitors the various wintering grounds and migratory stopover points on the different flyways through Europe, Asia and Africa. The results will also be published in both a final report and in scientific journals.

MHD and Land Rover have come together with the Connecting Cultures programme for the second year running. Connecting Cultures is an excellent programme which encourages direct communication and face to face intercultural dialogue between young people from the Western and Arab worlds.

The programme will give the Land Rover brand a chance to get involved closely with a group of young people as they learn to work together as a team to solve daily problems and discover that there is more that unites than divides them. 

This programme will enable them to cut through cultural stereotypes and misconceptions, and they will learn the much needed skills of decision making, communication and teamwork.
Land Rover as an international brand has been closely associated with events which promote cultural harmony and also encourage people to take an interest in the environment and preserve it for the generations to come.

Commenting on MHD Land Rover’s role as vehicle sponsors, Mr. David Aziz, Director Automotive said: “For this event as official support vehicle sponsors we will be providing a Land Rover LR3 vehicle to Mr. Mark Evans & his team. This vehicle has been used by Mr. Evans earlier for the Around Oman Kayak Challenge, and it proved itself totally capable in extreme conditions over a journey of 10,000 km following the coastline of the Sultanate of Oman”.

Founder and Director of Connecting Cultures Mark Evans expressed his gratitude to Land Rover for their continued support. ‘The concept of Connecting Cultures sees groups of young people making five day journeys into remote wilderness areas where mobile phones do not work – we go to these places because there are few distractions and the young people are able to focus totally on intercultural debate. In such environments, all of our equipment, especially our support vehicle, needs to be utterly reliable and durable, two qualities that are synonymous with the Land Rover brand. The first car I ever drove was a Land Rover, and it is always the car I hope to use on journeys such as this’.   

In the Sultanate of Oman Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC in its role as the importer of the Land Rover brand has worked conscientiously to link the brand with events which have contributed towards worthy causes. The sponsorship of the Connecting Cultures programme is one more step towards MHD LLC & Land Rover’s contribution to society.

Luxury, throughout history, has stood for that which is rare and precious. In Western affluent society, with its abundance of consumer goods, it follows that commodities without a price tag, such as the experience of simplicity, silence, time, care and trust have become the new luxury. With the Volvo S80 Executive, Volvo Car Corporation enters the luxury segment. But the company doesn't forget its core values: Safety and modern design.

These values are firmly rooted in the Swedish heritage - the quiet beauty of the landscape, the care about the environment and the attention to functional detail. Swedish luxury is quiet, simple, with a fine eye for exquisite details and intelligent functionality, following the ethos that ‘true beauty comes from the inside'. It offers an alternative to the flashy ‘bling' culture prominent in recent years and targets an audience with a confident, conscious and intelligent perspective, a customer that seeks a car that signals good taste.

Silvia Güllsdorf, project director of the new S80 Executive, says of the Swedish take on luxury: "Swedes wear discrete and stylistically clean jewellery rather than chunky gold chains. Swedish furniture has a simple and pure aesthetic, yet offers high functionality. The refined and educated eye can understand both the design and the quality that is characteristic of Swedish luxury."

To understand the new dimension of luxury that Volvo Car Corporation offers with the Volvo S80 Executive we must explore the rich Swedish heritage." Stockholm's archipelago is Sweden's best secret, says José L. Diaz de la Vega , Chief Designer Strategic Design, Volvo Cars." He has been with the company for seventeen years and describes how he loves the simple beauty of the Swedish landscape, a love he shares with the Swedes who cherish the country's beautiful lakes, wide meadows and open coastlines.
The landscape proved an important influence when the new Volvo S80 Executive was designed. Soft, yet distinct lines define the car's silhouette, and the gently curved instrument panel takes our thoughts to a meadow dressed in recently fallen snow.

The clean countryside and the Nordic light are translated into ingenious design solutions that create a home away from home, a haven. An important aspect of Swedish luxury is this very access to tranquility, nature, space and time for solitude. In addition to safety, the car's spacious interior, and the craftsmanship of the hand-selected leather, offer an experience of feeling cared for. Such features communicate that time and thought have been dedicated by the design team to secure supreme comfort and safety.
The aim is to offer the customer a comfortable, dynamic and safe drive with full control over both the car and the surrounding traffic. The S80 is the first Volvo offering Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning and Brake Support. This system maintains a selected distance to the vehicle in front. If the gap closes so fast that a collision is likely, the system alerts the driver and pre-loads the braking system. To Swedes and to most people of the world, the ability to care about yourself and your passengers is an appreciated form of luxury offered by the S80 Executive.

Swedes, however, don't like to brag. Consequently, they have traditionally been careful about showing off. While Volvo has always been known as a safe car of the premium quality, it is now time to reinforce Volvo Cars' position in the luxury segment.

As Chief Designer Strategic Design José L. Diaz de la Vega explains it:  "Coming from another culture, it was obvious to me that Swedes traditionally have shunned the luxurious, it has been shameful to indulge. In recent years the luxury perspective of the continent has influenced the Swedes but it is clear that they seek more understated and intelligent pleasure. With the new Volvo S80 Executive we have cracked the code of the unique Swedish luxury. Our new luxury car radiates prestigious, yet celebrates the simplicity of modern Swedish design."   Wherever in the world you may live, you can indulge in Swedish luxury behind the wheel of a new Volvo S80. It is the luxury of driving comfortably, safely and in great style.

The Volvo S80 is available at Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC showrooms in Azaiba, Sur, Sohar & Salalah. Further details can also be obtained through 800- 74747 (Toll Free) or through 99471875.

BFGoodrich is strategically committed to all its users with optimal handling for every type of vehicle in all driving conditions. This strategic focus enables BFGoodrich to design extremely reliable, high performance tires that deliver superior grip. These features have helped the brand forge a solid reputation in the market for 4WD tires.

The 4WD tire family of BFGoodrich consists of five tires, i.e. Macadam T/A and Radial Long Trail T/A for road use, the Mud Terrain T/A mostly for off road use, the All Terrain T/A for combined on and off road use and the Krawler for rock climbing. Besides, BFGoodrich also manufactures the winter Slalom 4WD tire.

Throughout its long history, BFGoodrich has consistently displayed a pioneering spirit from a technological standpoint and even more through its commitment to auto racing.

BFGoodrich Tires are brought to the Sultanate of Oman by MHD LLC who are the exclusive distributors of Michelin Tires having their Sales and Service outlets at Barka, Duqum, Ghala, Nizwa, Sur, Sohar, Salalah and Muscat.

The annual Long Term Service Awards were given away to employees by Mr. Mohsin Haider Darwish, Managing Director, MHD LLC at a special function organized on the evening of 25th November at the Al Falaj Hotel. The highlight of the function was the special awards, which were given away to individual employees in different categories such as Best Astt. Manager of the year, Best Employee in Sales Function, Best Employee in Support Function, Best Employee in Service/Technical Function & the Best Driver of the Year.

Two of the business divisions within the MHD LLC group also received special mention. While the Engineering Products Division was rated as the most Dynamic Division, the Automotive Division was selected as being most compliant with Health, Safety & Environment standards.

Speaking on the occasion Mrs. Lujaina Mohsin Darwish made special mention of MHD LLC’s Training Institute which will shortly start functioning from new premises at the Darsait roundabout. Mrs. Lujaina Mohsin Darwish also talked about the progress made by the MHD LLC Group during 2007 & the challenges which lie ahead in 2008.

The Land Rover LR2 has been awarded as the best “Compact SUV” by CAR Middle East magazine. In the judge’s words: “ The LR2 brilliantly combines the best of both on-road and off-road worlds, providing a city-runabout for small families, am ideal long distance companion, and yet will tackle deserts and mountain trails as only a Land Rover can. Nothing else in the class comes anywhere close.”

Two of these award winning vehicles are also featuring in the SABCO Centre Big prize Bonanza promotion which will carry on until January 2008. The luxurious Land Rover brand is associated very closely with the exclusive SABCO Mall which hosts only premium brands from all over the world. The SABCO clientele from the upper stratum of society are no strangers to the premium nature of the Land Rover brand.

The winner for the first LR2 was selected in the third week of November & the car was handed over by Mr. David Aziz, Director Automotive, MHD LLC in a presentation ceremony at the SABCO Mall. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. David Aziz said: “The LR2 is Land Rover’s latest presentation for the SUV segment. We are very excited about this vehicle as it is ideal for a market like Oman with a combination of both on-road & off-road usage. The recognition from CARS Middle East magazine will give a further fillip to the numbers sold in Oman.”

Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC are the sole importers for Land Rover products in the Sultanate of Oman with branches at Azaiba, Sur, Sohar & Salalah.

The mystery shoppers were selected & sent out by Volvo Cars Middle East to all the Volvo car importers in the GCC region. The mystery shoppers were briefed to evaluate the importers on important parameters including Overall Results- Sales, Meet & Greet, Qualifying potential customers, Product Presentation, Vehicle demonstration, Offer, Closing & follow up in the Sales process. In aftersales the importers were judged on various criteria including Customer service, Appointment, Reception, Workshop performance, Delivery & invoicing.

Commenting on the result, Mr. David Aziz- Director Automotive MHD LLC said: “We are delighted with the outcome of the mystery shopping exercise conducted by Volvo Cars Middle East. With a brand new Volvo showroom in Azaiba designed as per the Volvo Next Face (VNF) standards, dedicated sales team and Volvo trained after sales personnel our focus is on providing the best possible ownership experience to all loyal Volvo customers”.

The Volvo car product range encompasses a wide selection of models starting from the saloon cars like the S40, S80, the C70 convertible, the V70 & XC70 estate with All Wheel Drive and the XC90 SUV. December will also see the arrival of the all new C30 sporty hatchback which will have maximum appeal for the young trendsetters.